Short Summary

The annual "Saracen's Joust", held in Arezzo, Italy, Aug 28, is a pageant display of traditional horsemanship, dating back as far as the 13th century.

Description

The annual "Saracen's Joust", held in Arezzo, Italy, Aug 28, is a pageant display of traditional horsemanship, dating back as far as the 13th century.

In the colourful tournament, retaining much of its medieval splendour, teams of riders from the city's four quarters aim their lances in full gallop at a wooden figure on a revolving stand. Known as the "Saracen" - relic of the Crusades - the dummy wears a breast-plate, carrying a shield or "target" in one hand and a whip with three wooden balls in the other. The rider's aim is to hit the target with his lance, while trying to avoid being hit by the whip as the dummy spins on its pivot. A good knock by the "Saracen" is enough to send the horseman flying from his saddle.

Each quarter has its two jousters, its own captain, standard-bearers foot-soldiers, bowmen, drummers and buglers. Throughout the tournament, the musicians of all four quarters combine to provide rousing fanfares, ancient war calls or to play the "Saracen's Hymn". But even without the music spirits are usually high and tempers liable to flare, and this time the tournament nearly took a serious turn when spectators gave vent to their disapproval of the judges' decision. Police quickly appeared on the scene to uphold law and order.